Sports & Outdoors
Just For Runners
If you’re a runner, you’ll love RunnerCrate (www.runnercrate.com, Price: as low as $20 per month), a subscription box that comes packed with four to six healthy snacks and fitness-related gadgets or gear. Also included in the box are challenges to...
Change is Good
If you’re like me, the announcement of the new iPhone left me perplexed. “You mean I can’t charge my phone and listen with headphones at the same time?” But just like any new version of anything … we’ll all get...
Heavy Lifting
Kids are carrying heavy loads on their backs these days, so backpack company Bixbee (www.bixbee.com) has designed an ergonomic horizontal pack for smaller bodies. Kids will love the new EmotiCamo collection, exclusively at Amazon.com, (Large: $44.99, Medium: $39.99, Lunchbox: $17.99,...
Lace Your Hiking Shoes Up
ABOUT THE PRODUCT: The National Geographic Guide to National Parks of the United States 8th Edition ( www.shop.nationalgeographic.com, $28, for the entire family) is a comprehensive guide that contains up-to-the minute, practical advice for national park lovers and visitors. The newest information for...
Enjoy the Outdoors
The Matador Pocket Blanket ($29.99) is an essential for families who love the outdoors. Aside from its compact design, the Matador is water and puncture resistant, and has weighted corners to prevent it from lifting off the ground. Take it on-the-go...
Two in One
When tasked with a school project to invent the perfect toy, Max took his love for sports balls and teddy bears and rolled them into one … literally. Buddy Balls (MaxLand Toys, LLC, $24.99, www.buddyballs.com, for all ages) transform from...
Cute Poppers
Squeeze Poppers by Hog Wild Toys ($9.99 per set, Ages 4+, www.hogwildtoys.com) shoot mini, soft-foam balls up to 20 feet and are perfect for play at home and on the go! Simply squeeze the belly of the Popper, which is...
The Perfect Summer Beach Towel
No need to carry bulky towels as you enjoy water activities this summer. Cuddlefish ($25, www.cuddlefishtowelcompany.com) is a beach-sized towel that is lightweight and takes up less bag space (folds into the size of a tablet!), leaving plenty of room...
Made for Cruising
Cruise SoCal style with the Y Scoot Cruzer by Yvolution ($79.99, Ages 7+, max weight 220 lbs., www.yvolution.com), a scooter and longboard combined. Its steel frame is hardwearing and longboard deck with grip tape ensures you won’t slip off. Heavy-duty...
Safety First: Minions Helmet and Safety Pads
Don’t forget your safety gear! In light of the new Minions movie releasing this month, Skyrocket Toys (www.skyrockettoys.com) has the perfect set kids will love: the Minions Bike Helmet (Ages 5-8, $24.99) and coordinating Knee & Elbow Safety Pads (Ages...
For an epic Water Balloon fight!
Summer isn’t complete without a water balloon fight! Forget about the mess and time it takes to fill up water balloons with Bunch O Balloons by Zuru ($9.99, Ages 6+, www.bunchoballoons.com). Balloons seal automatically once filled to capacity. All you...
Go Team
Give the gift of nostalgia with Electronic Handheld Games: Football, Basketball and Baseball (The Bridge Direct, $14.99 each, www.thebridgedirect.com, Ages 8+). These childhood favorites have the same ‘70s retro appearance, but improved sound effects and two play modes for one...
Bottle Pop!
Pop open a fresh brew or soda with ease – and a laugh -- with BottlePops ($14.95, www.bottlepops.com), sports-themed bottle openers made of recycled plastic that say 15 to 25 sports phrases when you use them. Choose from baseball, football,...
Super Sippies
Nalgene, the maker of reusable bottles and containers that are safe for families and great for the environment, has come out with a new line of kids' sippy bottles that are extremely durable, spill proof, and like their other products are...
For the Fitness Freak
The makers of P90X and Insantity bring a fun, energetic program led by trainer, Chalene Johnson, Turbo Fire by Beach Body (6 monthly payments of $19.95). This fast-paced 90-day workout comes with 14 classes on DVD, an instructional DVD, a...
Take it Up a Notch
If the winter mornings are too cold for you to endure, join Ariane Hundt’s Brooklyn Bridge Boot Camp ($25) in the comfort of your living room. She‘ll take you across the 1-mile bridge and back with cardio blasts that are...
Balancing Act
Riding starts with balance and coordination, not dependence on training wheels, with STRIDER ST-3 No-Pedal Balance Bike ($110, Ages 18-months to 2 years), a cool, pedal-less rider. Intuitive to use, beginners gradually build skills needed to ride a traditional bike....
Mobo Tot
Toddlers can enjoy the great outdoors while sitting comfortably in their Mobo Tot ($199.00, Ages 2 to 5 years), a specially designed cruiser that helps develop motor skills and hand-eye coordination. A removable handle makes it easy for parents to help maneuver...
Plane Fun
Paper airplanes soar to new heights with the Power Up 2.0 Electric Paper Airplane Conversion Kit (ages 8+, $16.99). Easily attach the propeller to the nose and watch your plane travel hundreds of yards. Requires three AA batteries (not included).
Animal Spirit
SpiritHoods have come out with a lighter style just in time for summer fun. Kids Surf Rat Hoods ($49, ages 4 to 12), are made locally in Los Angeles and just like their other collections, 10% of the profits are donated...
We Gotcha Covered
Lay down a clean play surface wherever you go with the Monkey Mat ($39.99), perfect for beach outings, camping and picnics. Folds into a portable pouch with a convenient strap that fastens to strollers, backpacks or other outdoor gear.
Good Sport
Athletes of all ages will look forward to wearing MoGo Mouthguards (www.mogosport.com, $11.99 - $19.99), the first flavored BPA-free mouth guard. Two sizes, adult and youth, provide professional-level protection and a comfortable fit. Choose from a variety of flavors, and...
Go Fly a Kite
Color-Me Kites (www.xkites.com, $11.99, Ages 8+) is a craft and activity. Children can decorate the kite with markers (included), then take their colorful creation on a test flight. Comes ready to fly with handle, line and a QuickClip that makes...
Get Fit
Burn off the holiday pounds with HOOPERSIZE ($39.95, Ages 6 and up),afitness kit that won’t feel like exercise! The easy-to-assemble hoop is heavier and sturdier than toy hula hoops, making it easier to hoop for longer periods of time. Instructional...
Grow Your Own
Square Foot Gardening With Kids ($24.99) teaches the importance of sustainable living while helping kids build and grow their own gardens. Clever and fun, it offers a green pastime adults and kids can enjoy together.